wishful thinking
noun
: the attribution of reality to what one wishes to be true or the tenuous justification of what one wants to believe
Examples of wishful thinking in a Sentence
The idea that the enemy will immediately surrender is nothing more than wishful thinking.
Recent Examples on the Web
Decades of following these ideals have shown them to be wishful thinking at best, and more likely self-serving propaganda.
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Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2025
Once the picks start flying, expecting any team to embrace the risk involved in trading out of the top 10 is probably wishful thinking.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 June 2025
But in another way, wishful thinking might cloud your judgment.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 June 2025
If the math doesn’t pencil out early, no amount of wishful thinking will make up for it.
—David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking
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Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2025
Once the picks start flying, expecting any team to embrace the risk involved in trading out of the top 10 is probably wishful thinking.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 June 2025
But in another way, wishful thinking might cloud your judgment.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 June 2025
If the math doesn’t pencil out early, no amount of wishful thinking will make up for it.
—David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking
Cite this Entry
“Wishful thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wishful%20thinking. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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